Seasonal & Holidays

Temecula Valley Wine Country Holiday Events This Weekend: Parade, Christmas Gala, Ice Skating & More

From Winterfest at Galway Downs to a Santa Paws Ugly Sweater Contest and Christmas Gala Review, Wine Country has the holidays covered.

Christmas at Europa Village Wineries and Resort
Christmas at Europa Village Wineries and Resort (Photo Credit: Ashley Ludwig)

TEMECULA, CA — It's Christmas time in Temecula Valley Wine Country! And with both ticketed and drop-in events, there is something for everyone this weekend. Starting Friday night, with the Temecula Santa's Electric Light Parade, there's a month of festive fun coming your way.

"You could easily build a whole day or weekend around the fun at the winery resort Europa Village. Explore its European Holiday Market while noshing on empanadas and spiced hot chocolate, then have dinner at Giardino del Cielo, where you can enjoy a prix fixe, family-style dinner for up to eight inside a private igloo."

Find out what's happening in Temeculafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Temecula Old Town Christmas Parade: Friday

The parade will begin at 7 p.m. sharp at the intersection of Jefferson Ave & Del Rio Rd. Be sure to bring your blankets and chairs as you watch the entries travel south along the parade route into Old Town Temecula.

Find out what's happening in Temeculafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Attend in person, or watch the live stream on www.TemeculaCA.gov/TV. Click here for details on where to park and which roads are closed for the parade that starts at 6 p.m. Friday in Old Town.

Take In "A Christmas Carol" On The Old Town Temecula Stage

There's still time to take in the live performance of "A Christmas Carol" this weekend, with shows on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. presented by Temecula Valley Players

A holiday tradition for the whole family: For tickets: temeculavalleyplayers.com

Ice Skating At Peltzer Farms and Winery:

Peltzer Ice Rink is open through Jan. 19 and features 8,400 square feet of ice skating space. Skaters can borrow complimentary "gliders" to get the feel of the slippery stuff under their boots. When you go, look for picnic benches, hot cocoa, snacks, food trucks, and a bar for those 21 and up. Get a season pass! and reserve your tickets now! Get more information at www.peltzerwinery.com.

Christmas Gala At Longshadow Ranch Winery: Ticketed Event

Join us for the annual "Christmas Gala" on December 6 at Longshadow Ranch Winery, a special holiday edition of Bonfire Saturday Night from 6 to 8:30 pm. on the Longshadow Patio.

Enjoy family-friendly entertainment by professional singers & and dancers, hosted by Jill & John Music Duo. "Warm up with some mulled wine or hot chocolate. Dinner is available for purchase in addition to estate wines, craft beers, sodas, snacks and candy. Following the show, stick around to play in the "snow!"

Seats are still available. Reserve your spot at: Christmas Gala 2025: Tickets:

Sunset Sips, Twilight Tastings With Holiday Lights at Europa Village Wineries

Unwind with Europa Village’s Winter Edition of Sunset Sips! Select tasting rooms will stay open until 8 PM, 7 days a week! Sip on your favorite wines while soaking in the charm of our beautifully adorned villages, each sparkling with festive holiday decor. Be sure to take some Insta-worthy pics.

Whether you’re toasting under twinkling lights or wandering through our winter wonderland, there’s no better way to celebrate the season.

HOURS

Bolero: Open until 8 pm, 7 days a week
Vienza" Open until 8 pm, 7 days a week
C'est la Vie: Open until 8 pm, Friday-Sunday

Winterfest At Galway Downs:

Beginning Saturday through January 4, Galway Downs in Temecula will host WinterFest in Wine Country, making the season that much brighter! This ticketed event will feature an incredible display of festive holiday lights, live music, walk-through photo ops, skating, and an expansive ice rink, all available daily. A full bar with holiday-specific beverages will also be available.

Those in attendance Fridays-Sundays may also experience festive hay rides, holiday movie showings (The Grinch, Elf, The Santa Clause, etc.), and have the opportunity to interact with Santa Claus and some of his friends from the North Pole! Look for a dedicated Kids Zone where little ones can enjoy hands-on craft activities such as designing ornaments and writing letters to Santa. Themed nights will also include carolers, line dancing, music, and more.

Get your tickets at: ickets.eventhub.net.

Things to Watch For:

Old Town Temecula Plans Very Merry Christmas Celebration In 2025:

This Christmas season, head to Old Town Temecula for carolers, hot cocoa, cruisin', and yes, even Santa Visits. Events start Wednesday, Dec. 10, through Saturday, Dec. 13. Head to Old Town for Temecula Chilled tidbits, shopping, cruising, and visits with Santa!

Learn More At A Very Merry Temecula Christmas!

"The Nutcracker Ballet" Live At Europa Village Resort & Wineries:

On Dc. 21, 22 and 23, tickets are available for the live performance of The Nutcracker Ballet at Europa.

"This magical production by The Ballet Studio & Mark Erickson is destined to become your favorite holiday tradition in the heart of Temecula Wine Country.

Whether you’re revisiting this timeless story or experiencing it for the first time, The Nutcracker at Europa Village promises an unforgettable night of wonder and delight." Purchase tickets online at Europa Village Winery.

Other things:

Check out Temecula Holiday Chilled events, including the GrapeSeed Spa shopping event at South Coast Winery, Santa’s Electric Light Parade, and the Grape Drop on New Year’s Eve," Visit California advises.

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